Cochin is a fast developing commercial and tourist destination. But the city has its own problems – traffic jams, garbage strewn over the place, open drains, potholes, narrow roads and so on. What is it that can be done to make it a much better place to live? This is exactly what CPPR wishes to find out under Reinventing Cochin project….the part played by the state and civil society

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

it shall be Street conclave rather than Road concalve

I was present during the Cochin Conclave hosted by Cochin corporation. Though it was a good program, the theme of the discussion was not aptly presented. In my opinion, roads cannot be approached as a stand alone entity. in fact, roads are getting repaired because the other elements surrounding the roads are not taken care of or properly addressed. Roads works are not more tarring and repairing works. Streets need to be conceived as Public Spaces and roads are the major component for that matter; that’s all.What we need to improve upon; design the new or existing roadway, including streetscape design components and complete conceptual level engineering plans. It shall be a holistic plan to attract users of street to own and take proud of the streets and not alone in the case of roads as we look at it today.

Today, everyone is concerned about Kochi roads because of gutters and potholes. But we should not forget that there is an increase in the number of private vehicles hence wear and tear is also been accounted to these facts. It is not an excuse as there are new technologies and methods available in plenty to ensure the long life for roads. But this is the time to reorient ourselves for the concept of roads and streets. It shall be a happy place for pedestrians, motorists, joggers, jay walkers, vendors, cyclists etc. more private vehicles are on the streets because of the poor public transport. Causalities are on raise on the roads not only because of poor conditions of the roads but also because of the poor pedestrian facilities and lack of separate lanes for cyclists and two wheelers. We need street furniture and comfort stations so that citizens can use this secular place for not only for mobility requirements but also use it as public spaces.

Next time, when Corporation hosts such an event, it shall be 'Cochin Street conclave' rather than 'Cochin road conclave'. there shall not be a fundamental flaw in judging the issues related to streets..

2 comments:

happy to read your blog..But one point we need to understand is that we needs roads and this has to match the traffic plying on it.I dont think landscaping should be given the priority.

My take is we need to develop a road that can be projected as a model road.This road has to meet to all the updated specifications and not the one scheduled by PWD in 1960s ....first develop the roads so that we can travel smoothly and then think of streets....at least something will be there .....Vivek

There is a difference in understanding. unless or otherwise, we fix the issues of KSEB cables and electric posts, road will get repaired and repaired. As many speakers pointed out on that day, the bad condition of the road is not only because of poor work while laying the road but also on the other elements surrounding the road. also, there is a huge difference in the Eco system building while you build roads in CBD and while you build national highways. why do we need to roads in CBD is the main question we need to answer. when you say PWD specifications of 1960, I agree with that because the whole idea of roads were dominating that time. but today the idea of streets are dominating in the discussions as who knows how many are taking the roads on the way to your office when technology gets a face lift like in these days. even if you have smooth road today, who will guarantee that other guys are not going to dig up the road tomorrow. that is where the concept of street comes. at the end, it is all public money...